With NYC’s new Roadmap to 80×50, the city has developed a comprehensive report based on the best available science and state-of-the-art greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions modeling to assess what will be necessary to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and to promote economic opportunities that come from the investments that will be required. Bold action is necessary from all levels of government and the private sector to make the investments, develop new regulatory frameworks, and drive institutional and societal changes necessary to achieve 80×50.
NYC committed itself to 80×50 in 2014, with an interim target to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent by 2030 (40×30), and took immediate steps to achieve that goal. One New York: The Plan for A Strong and Just City (OneNYC) was released in April 2015, laying a blueprint for inclusive climate action that works for all New Yorkers across the four key visions of growth, equity, sustainability, and resiliency. In OneNYC, the city expanded the commitment to 80×50, with new investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and solid waste management that are improving air quality across the city and catalyzing an important shift away from fossil fuel-based sources of energy.
The city’s analysis shows that the projected impact of these efforts will make it possible to bend the curve on GHG emissions. However, analysis also shows that these efforts alone are not enough to reach 80×50. We must continue to do more to reduce emissions in NYC and lead progress across the globe in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. NYC’s Roadmap to 80×50 analysis has shown a feasible pathway to build on this progress with an integrated set of strategies to achieve reduced emissions by 2050.
Organized by: AIANY Committee on the Environment and Urban Green Council.
